Anglican Communion Cleric, Venerable Slias Ike, in charge of St. Stephen’s Parish, Agulu Diocese of Awka, has called on the people to always show gratitude to God when they receive special blessings.
Ike made the call on Sunday at St. Stephen’s Parish, Agulu, during a special thanksgiving ceremony by Mrs Ngozi Ofoedu.
The cleric reminded the people of the story of the 10 lepers in the Holy Bible who were healed by Jesus Christ, but only one of them came back to thank Jesus.
He said “Jesus asked the leper that came back for thank him, ‘is it not 10 lepers that were healed? Where are the other nine?”
He said that the bible recorded that more blessings was added to the leper that returned to thank Him.
Ike said that it is a form of worship when people pay homage to God through thanksgiving for appreciation and urged the faithful to emulate Ofoedu.
He said that Ofoedu, who resides in the United States of America, have done well for her to come home to thank God for all challenges she survived.
“It is good you came home for this thanksgiving of healing, good life and great care you enjoyed.
“Your father ran to this altar and presented you to God during your health challenges.
“Today, you have returned to thank God, you did well, some may decide to celebrate in the USA but you came home” he said.
Chief Silas Ejide, the father of Ofoedu, said that God wiped away bitter tears from his face and he is grateful to God.
Ejide said that thanksgiving is like sacrifice to one’s God for continued mercy and grace so we have shown appreciation to the Almighty for more protection.
“I could have been more pained in life at 86 years, if my first child had departed. I am so grateful to God for her life,” Ejide said.
Ofoedu said that thanksgiving was to return thanks to God for saving her life from illness.
“Words cannot express my gratitude to God for the privilege to offer this thanksgiving unto Him today,” she added.
